Poll: Entropy: The End?

[CuddlyCombine]

I know I sound ridiculous, but think about it; entropy is the one unavoidable force of nature (of course, it's just a theory). Meteors we could theoretically deflect, a supernova we could escape, but entropy is everywhere and unstoppable. So, if humankind doesn't wipe itself out by then, we're screwed.

Let's talk science!

 

[ElephantGuts]

Could you please explain how entropy is going to destroy the universe? I have no idea.

 

[Caliostro]

the one unavoidable force which we can't possibly avoid.

I know I sound ridiculous

Well... At least you're aware...

As for entropy... Billions upon billions of billions of years... Your entire lineage will be dead by then.

 

[CuddlyCombine]

Could you please explain how entropy is going to destroy the universe? I have no idea.

After the universe reaches maximum entropy, there's no free energy. No life, no movement, no survival, basically. I'm pretty sure it's only a theory, of course. But it could happen...

 

[CuddlyCombine]

Well... At least you're aware...

Oh, I didn't spot that. *fix*

 

[Xrysthos]

Well, technically it's related to the "quality" of the energy. Heat is energy in it's lowest form of quality, and the theory states that all the energy in the universe will eventually turn to thermal energy, thus rendering said universe lifeless. This is based on that energy cannot be destroyed or created (seeing as E=mc^2, one can create energy, but if matter equals energy then it's just a technicality), it can only change in quality and form (potential/kinetic energy). At least that's my understanding of it, but I have to admit it's been a few years since I looked into it, so correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit: So, the entire universe (movement and all) would practically stop, and the only energy would be heat, which cannot be utilized in any efficient fashion. On that note, we'll be dead long before it happens.

 

[cptjack42]

No! The big freeze'll get us!

 

[Veylon]

It's not like a "everything blows up" destruction of the universe, it's more of a "all the stars burned out and now it's cold" end. Entropy is the snazzy physicist term.

 

[Plauged1]

At this point, I am more interested in this than 2012. One more fucking time I see a commercial, t-shirt, or math problem that dumbasses call proof, I will be the reason for 2012.

Anyway, it is just a theory; I would not worry until there is ground breaking proof. The so-called proof better not be a math problem...

 

[sgtshock]

Well, if the universe is going to eventually boil itself (if I understand this correctly), then we're pretty much screwed. If we actually live that long to see it.

(That's actually an interesting question. Will humanity live long enough to see the end of the universe? If we live that long, will our technology be good enough that we can save ourselves somehow?)

 

[Xrysthos]

Ooh, fun fact: Due to the Moons gravitational pull on the Earth and the effect it has on water (moving it), the Earth is constantly loosing kinetic energy, and slowing down it's spin. 500 million years ago, a complete day/night cycle laster approximately 12 hours, meaning that the Earth has lost half it's energy over a period of 500 million years. Once it comes to a standstill, only 50% of the Earth would be inhabitable, and we would have to move around the globe to stay on the same side as the sun to stay alive. Again, we will be dead by then, so no worries. All the plants would die anyways, so whether or not we were alive wouldn't really matter.

 

[Xrysthos]

Well, if the universe is going to eventually boil itself (if I understand this correctly), then we're pretty much screwed. If we actually live that long to see it.

Due to the size of the Universe, the increase in temperature would probably be minimal, but still; No energy means no life.

 

[GodsOneMistake]

*Head Explodes*

What the hell is entropy

 

[levelone]

maybe the science is wrong like alchemy was to chemistry...we will find out later that we were so primitive.

 

[ElephantGuts]

Could you please explain how entropy is going to destroy the universe? I have no idea.

After the universe reaches maximum entropy, there's no free energy. No life, no movement, no survival, basically. I'm pretty sure it's only a theory, of course. But it could happen...

So, what, entropy keeps building up or something? Could you maybe link me to somewhere that explains this theory?

 

[Kagetatsu]

First: the species, the planet, the solar system, and every star in the sky will be long gone before heat death becomes a concern. So don't worry about it.

Second: if you ever find yourself typing, "it's just a theory" in relation to the Laws of Thermodynamics, you should do one of two things. Either read a book on the subject, or have yourself sterilised, as a favour to future generations.

 

[Kogarian]

I wouldn't worry about it. There are probably ways around it, or flaws in our mathematics and theories. But we'll be dead way before then.

 

[Glerken]

I kind of doubt humanity will still be around for this. And my guess is nukes my friends, nukes.
Or some other kind of explosive. Perhaps laser beams from space.

 

[Anarchemitis]

Entropy is a fancy way of saying "The universe prefers chaos", as in naturally, if you throw a deck of cards in the air, entropy dictates that chances are they won't land stacked and ordered by suit.

Entropy is actually my main argument why Evolutionism is just as laughable as Christianity.

 

[CuddlyCombine]

First: the species, the planet, the solar system, and every star in the sky will be long gone before heat death becomes a concern. So don't worry about it.

Second: if you ever find yourself typing, "it's just a theory" in relation to the Laws of Thermodynamics, you should do one of two things. Either read a book on the subject, or have yourself sterilised, as a favour to future generations.

As you've said, everything will be long gone. We can only postulate that it'll happen, not prove, even if we've got laws and everything.